How to Make a Sphagnum Moss Pole

By Nannette Richford ; Updated September 21, 2017

Large vining houseplants, like philodendron, require staking or training to direct growth in the area you prefer. Although ordinary wooden stakes can be used, wire cylinders filled with sphagnum moss provide a visually appealing trellis for plants. When placed in large pots, watering the cylinder keeps moss moist, raising humidity levels and providing water to the soil. Making your own sphagnum moss pole allows you to design it to the appropriate dimensions for your specific plants and to fit the available room in your home.

Cut an 8 to 10 inch width of hardware cloth to the height you desire using wire cutters. Hardware cloth, also referred to as rat wire, is a wire mesh sold in rolls or by linear foot. Generally, a height of 2 or 3 feet is required to support large plants.

Roll the hardware cloth into a cylinder and wire together. Tuck loose ends inside the cylinder or use pliers to bend raw edges to the inside.

Cut three to four 3-inch cuts from the bottom toward the top. Bend outward to form supports for the pole.

Fill the cylinder with damp sphagnum moss, packing it tightly inside the rolled wire. Soak in water to thoroughly moisten the moss.

Insert the pole in a large plant pot so the supports rest on the bottom of the pot. Cover the supports with pebbles or gravel to hold in place, and fill the pot with potting soil.

Plant vines near the base of the pole. Train vines to climb the pole by attaching with plant ties, if necessary.

Things You Will Need

Hardware cloth

Measuring tape

Wire cutters

Pliers

Sphagnum moss

Plant pot

Pebbles/gravel

Potting soil

References

Resources

About the Author

Nannette Richford is an avid gardener, teacher and nature enthusiast with more than four years' experience in online writing. Richford holds a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Maine Orono and certifications in teaching 7-12 English, K-8 General Elementary and Birth to age 5.